Travel Technology - Which Garmin to Buy?

I went back a month to see if there was a 'which GPS to buy' or 'GPS FAQ' thread and didn't see one. I am pretty set on buying Garmin, just because, but am not sure what model to buy. I have some general questions that I can't seem to find an answer to on their website and my local Best Buy kids just glaze over.

1. Some models have a rechargeable battery while others have a user replaceable rechargeable battery. Why would the distinction be interesting and which is preerable?

2. Probably obvious, but what are 'routes'? Some models that I am considering allow for 0 and others 10.

3. Can I always add trans-atlantic maps to any of the newer models after I buy them, or do I need to buy a model with it included already? Do I save a lot of money by purchasing a model with it already loaded?

4. Which trans-atlantic map is preloaded if it is a model that has it? I looked at their online store and they have several different maps. I'm just trying to figure out the dollar value of buying one with it included vs. one without, and then buying it separate at a later point.

5. What is 'dead reckoning'?

6. What is multimode, and when would it be useful? Their website says 'switch to drive, hike, bike or boat but I'm still not clear on that one.

7. What is 'garmin locate'?

8. What is lane assist and how important is it in your opinion?

9. Do all newer models allow for vias and multiple vias? I don't know much about this but as I understand it this is when you say I want to go from point A to point D via points B and C.

10. Are waypoint/favorites/locations simply me tagging a location as something I will use often enough to want it available to me mroe quickly than having to search for it?

Sorry for the number of questions. The huge range of models and features makes it tough for me to figure out what I want and need.

There are 2 or 3 recent threads re GPS (search Garmin GPS) - maybe further back than 1 month. Lots of good stuff.

Also, http://www.gpsmagazine.com does excellent in depth review of many garmin models

1. Some models have a rechargeable battery while others have a user replaceable rechargeable battery. Why would the distinction be interesting and which is preerable?
I don't mind the built in batteries, but it depends on how you use it. If you plan to be out walking all day with it, and don't have the ability to recharge it, popping in a couple AA batteries or whatever makes it much easier.

If that's not an issue, then it's one more thing you need to carry around.


2. Probably obvious, but what are 'routes'? Some models that I am considering allow for 0 and others 10.

Routes are when you set the roads you want to follow. If I want to go from home to work, but want to stop at a store on the way, and then swing by someplace else, I would set a route of the places I need to go in the order I want to go to them in. It could also be the ability to set roads you want to follow (usually to avoid tolls) or something like that.

3. Can I always add trans-atlantic maps to any of the newer models after I buy them, or do I need to buy a model with it included already? Do I save a lot of money by purchasing a model with it already loaded?

It will say if you can add maps and how in the specs. I would price it out both ways, with and without the europe maps pre loaded. You of course have a much greater selection with out the maps for Europe, but need to factor that in as a cost item should you go that way later.

5. What is 'dead reckoning'?

Garmin and Tomtom offer the ability to try to figure out where you should be when you lose the satellite. It's the unit making a guess, I would not rely on it.

6. What is multimode, and when would it be useful? Their website says 'switch to drive, hike, bike or boat but I'm still not clear on that one.

Drive means it will calculate based on using roads. Hike means it will calculate based on sidewalks and hiking trails (for example you can not drive the wrong way on a one way street, but you can walk it the wrong way). Bike will keep you off interstates and other roads bikes can not go on, and boat hopefully will keep you off roads and on water.

7. What is 'garmin locate'?

When the unit is removed from the mount it remembers where you are, so when you get lost in the parking lot it can help you find your car again. Tomtom offers it too.

8. What is lane assist and how important is it in your opinion?

Lane assist will help you be in the right lane for exits, road splits, etc. I have not used a unit with it, but the pictures look really cool. There are times when you need to be in the third lane from the right for example and then go to the left, and regular GPS can not tell you that all too easily. Lane assist, depending on the brand and model, will go as far to actually show a graphic of the overhead signs showing which lane you should be in.

9. Do all newer models allow for vias and multiple vias? I don't know much about this but as I understand it this is when you say I want to go from point A to point D via points B and C.

I do not know which ones do and don't offer it, but you are right in what it does, if I want to go from A to D but have to stop along the way at B and C, vias would allow me to do that (so would setting a route)

10. Are waypoint/favorites/locations simply me tagging a location as something I will use often enough to want it available to me mroe quickly than having to search for it?

Those are three different terms.

A waypoint is a location along the way, it's not your starting or final destination.

A favorite is a location you have "bookmarked" so you can get to it easier in the future.

Location is simply a point on the map.

A few more answers:

#1. In my experience, models with replaceable battery, ie., 3 AA batteries, are the multi purpose models, one of the multi purposes being hiking/backpacking/camping, where you cannot carry around power cord. Also, in my experience, models designed specifically for driving always have an internal rechargeable battery, they never use replaceable batteries. Would you want to be navigating through heavy traffic, and when you got to the point where the batteries finally die, have to shut down the unit and replace the batteries.

Garmin’s multi-purpose units have replaceable batteries (AA cells) and also separate power input . Even if you use rechargeable AA batteries in the unit, running the unit on the power input will not recharge the rechargeable batteries. I’m talking about Garmin’s GPS 76C and 60C series units.

#8 Lane Assist. Used to assist when an exit on a highway has multiple lanes and you need to be in certain lanes. The maps used in GPSes are not accurate enough to determine which highway lane you are in, and throwing up a simulated picture is the next best thing. In my opinion, this is a very useful feature, if driving on interstate highways with many junctions in urban areas, it’s more useful that traffic updates. Examples.

This is what it normally looks like when you're navigating a route:
http://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-00810-05/en/cf-lg.jpg
This is what lane assist looks like:
Garmin
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-00715-30/en/cf-lg.jpg
Navigon:
http://www.gpsreview.net/wp-content/uploads/navigon-7200t-reality-view.jpg

In the last pic, the orange arrows show that you need to be in the three LH lanes, and not in the two RH lanes. Usually this is combined with a spoken instruction to say “in one half mile, get in the left hand lanes, and follow the sign for Manhattan”.

#10. ...waypoint/favorites/locations (= POIs you create). Sort of. You can do them yourself, but there are very nice POI ‘databases’ out there, that you download, and then upload to your device. Not all devices allow you to do this. Many Garmins do, but not all of them, they will specify POIs are updatable. The databases can be Excel CSV files. This is very easy to do with Garmin devices, you download the databases, or create you own, connect your device to your PC, run the Garmin POI Loader, and you have your POIs. You can also download speed traps and red light camera locations. With speed traps, the GPS knows how fast you are going, and what the speed is, and it will warn you if needed.

I just got a Garmin 855T, and it is without a doubt the best GPS unit I have ever seen. If you have the budget, skip the cheap units and get an 855T, you won't regret it.

I just got a Garmin 855T, and it is without a doubt the best GPS unit I have ever seen. If you have the budget, skip the cheap units and get an 855T, you won't regret it.

855 or 885T?

3. Can I always add trans-atlantic maps to any of the newer models after I buy them, or do I need to buy a model with it included already? Do I save a lot of money by purchasing a model with it already loaded?

4. Which trans-atlantic map is preloaded if it is a model that has it? I looked at their online store and they have several different maps. I'm just trying to figure out the dollar value of buying one with it included vs. one without, and then buying it separate at a later point.


Maps - you can always add maps later to most SatNavs - Garmin and TomTom included. It's generally cheaper to purchase the other maps bundled with the unit - sometimes a LOT cheaper.

With 4. - the TomTom 9XX (910/920/940/940) include worldwide maps. Don't know about the high end Garmins sorry...

Garmin is a great product product - a real case of "you get what you pay for".

855 or 885T?

Woops - 885T.

Holy crap! Thank you for all of this information! I need to digest it all now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I went back a month to see if there was a 'which GPS to buy' or 'GPS FAQ' thread and didn't see one. I am pretty set on buying Garmin, just because, but am not sure what model to buy. I have some general questions that I can't seem to find an answer to on their website and my local Best Buy kids just glaze over.

1. Some models have a rechargeable battery while others have a user replaceable rechargeable battery. Why would the distinction be interesting and which is preerable?

2. Probably obvious, but what are 'routes'? Some models that I am considering allow for 0 and others 10.

3. Can I always add trans-atlantic maps to any of the newer models after I buy them, or do I need to buy a model with it included already? Do I save a lot of money by purchasing a model with it already loaded?

4. Which trans-atlantic map is preloaded if it is a model that has it? I looked at their online store and they have several different maps. I'm just trying to figure out the dollar value of buying one with it included vs. one without, and then buying it separate at a later point.

5. What is 'dead reckoning'?

6. What is multimode, and when would it be useful? Their website says 'switch to drive, hike, bike or boat but I'm still not clear on that one.

7. What is 'garmin locate'?

8. What is lane assist and how important is it in your opinion?

9. Do all newer models allow for vias and multiple vias? I don't know much about this but as I understand it this is when you say I want to go from point A to point D via points B and C.

10. Are waypoint/favorites/locations simply me tagging a location as something I will use often enough to want it available to me mroe quickly than having to search for it?

Sorry for the number of questions. The huge range of models and features makes it tough for me to figure out what I want and need.

Garmin 265w
This is cheap enough and in 1-2 years will be obsolete anyway.
You want one that will cover all 50 states - I just got back from HI
Some have downloadable maps - maps are available for free on the internet so I managed OZ and NZ last year.
After you use it for 1-2 years, buy another.

The top of the line model I got from magellan for 1100$ last year can be bought for 250 from Garmin 265 this year.

A waypoint is a location along the way, it's not your starting or final destination.



Actually, it's a navigational term, and at least Garmin implements them the way they are used in any navigation. They can be starting or ending points also, or any place on the map you want to "bookmark" for later use.

When I travel, I usually just create several waypoints for the airport (three letter code), the hotels I'll be staying at and the offices I'll be visiting. With Garmin it's very easy to locate a saved waypoint in the unit and press the "go there" button. It's much easier to do that than to use the other methods to find the place in the data base of these units, but you can do that too when needed, such as for a restaurant or address and you can also create a waypoint for anything you find on the unit also, or any location or intermediate point you are currently at. What makes them useful is that you can name them.

-David

Woops - 885T.

Here's an in-depth review:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2009/01/garmin_nuvi_885t_review.php

:)



PS - I'm waiting for reviews on the new Garmin 12xx and 13xx series (released June 28th).

Somehow I never managed to buy a GPS until last April. They were always "too expensive" for me to consider until a recent vacation made the price difference between a GPS and "Neverlost" for a week seem interesting.

I ended up buying the Garmin Nuvi 205 mostly because it was cheap, came with a suction cup mount and seemed to have the really basic features I wanted.

I've used it weekly since the first week of April and I love it.


It gives good directions
It is cheap enough that I am not worried about losing or breaking it
It is a nice small size
It has good battery life
It has lots of "points of interest"
It is intuitive to use


Dan

Thanks OP for posting this and all who replied. I was just about to do the same, as I am looking to get a Garmin GPS as well.

To the OP - In one of the other GPS threads, there was also a link to an Amazon.com page with a table of various Garmin GPS options, which I found helpful. I'll see if I can dig it up.

Personally, I'm looking into the 265 or the 885.

To the OP - In one of the other GPS threads, there was also a link to an Amazon.com page with a table of various Garmin GPS options, which I found helpful. I'll see if I can dig it up.

These guys have a nice compare feature (http://www.gpsnow.com/Garmin_Vehicle_GPS_Navigation.htm). And they're also one of two places -- Amazon being the other -- I always check prices when comparison shopping for Garmin models.

Thanks again for all of this information. I am weeding through it and trying to narrow my choices down.

I had gone to the garmin website and used their comparison feature (up to three at a time) to build an Excel file for all of their models. Then I started eliminating those that were obviously not right for me but I'm still left with a lengthy list.

I eliminated some based on screen size and others based on the lack of spoken street names.

I'm not necessarily budget minded on this purchase, but yet can't justify an extra $50 or $100 for bluetooth which I think I would use infrequently. The ability to load MP3's or audio books is also interesting, but again I am having a difficult time justifying the higher cost.

For me, the imporant things are wide screen, preloaded maps of the 50 states or 50 states + Canada, ability to add maps of Western Europe or have them preloaded, ability to store off my own points of interest either by name or by address, ability to say I want to go from point A to point D via points B and C, ability to have a qwerty or alpha keypad at my choice.

Nice to haves would be bluetooth, mp3, world clock, fm traffic receiver.

I am still confused on what Garmin means by 'routes' when it lists them as a feature. The models I am down to allow for either 0 or 10 routes. Not sure what those are.

So it looks like I could go with the 255W and pass on most of my nice to haves. These are on sale at Best Buy pretty frequently for $150.00.

Or I could go for the 265W which I haven't seen on sale for less than $250.00 and get bluetooth and traffic in addition to everything on the 255W.

My choices beyond that start to get me to double the price of the 255W with marginal added personal benefit.

The least expensive one that has made my round of cuts that also includes trans atlantic maps is listed for $450 on the garmin site and is the 1370t

So I am leaning toward the 255W or the 265W depending on price and I'll just wait until I head to Europe again to purchase the maps.

I don't think it would have helped me to get to the ultimate decision, but Garmin might do well to implement something on their site similar to what HP uses to help narrow the list of printers. They have a series of questions with multiple choice answers as well as definitions for the terms used in the questions that you walk through. When done, you are presented with the X number of models that meet all of your requirements. I had started to read the manuals on garmin's site to try to answer some of my questions before my eyes fell out of my head. I'd also tried to email my questions directly to garmin via their support page, but it kept erroring out when I'd hit the 'submit' button. Maybe that meant I was supposed to submit to their lack of desire to help me?!

Anyway, thank you again for all of this excellent information.

Costco and amazon.com sell the models you noted for considerably less that best buy.

And don't forget to check out the garmin bean bag, much better than the window suction unit!

Bluetooth - in many states you are required to have hands free set for mobile phones. I have 360 model and connect to either my BB or my wife's iPhone. What's even better is we can search our address book on the garmin and dial as we are driving....it's worth it for us.

Dingo, in looking at the specs on the Garmin website for a few of the units you mentioned, the ‘routes 0’ specification means 'how many routes can you save on the unit' for use/reuse later. Example, you use the unit to create up a route from A to B (maybe with intermediate waypoints), and you want to save the route for use later. If you cannot save any routes, you will always be prompted whenever you want to navigate somewhere, as opposed to recall saved routes. YMMY on this feature.

Garmin has a map viewing software product that runs on a windows PC that allows you to view your maps, locate POIs, and make, modify (graphically, ie., drag the route, etc), save and recall routes, POIs, tracks ,and just browse the maps. It can upload routes and tracks from the device after the fact to view and/or to download to the device again later. It’s called MapSource, there’s no cost for it. It’s powerful and has a lot of features. You get it when you buy a map on CD/DVD, if you buy maps (or a unit with maps) on an SD card, you have to download it. The viewer is universal to all maps that Garmin produces (as far as I can see), but not all Garmin devices can connect to a PC and the ones that cannot connect will not be able to use it. On Garmin’s website, see Support > Software > Mapping Programs, to determine if it works with a particular unit.

I’ve never owned a Nuvi, but have ‘borrowed’ different models from co-workers and friends to use for a weekend or for a trip. I do own some of the Garmin multi purpose units (driving, hiking, marine), and for me those units would lose the majority of their utility without the MapSource functionality. For example, if you want to create a specific route and include several waypoints, or recall a route you did several years ago, this is how you do it. To contrast this, models designed exclusively for driving (Garmin’s Nuvi line) are intended for you to power up the device in your vehicle, press a few buttons to locate your destination, it figures the route and then you you’re off. The ability to edit the route on a PC is not part of the mainstream functionality in these devices.

A couple weeks ago at J&R I bought a 275T (the non wide 265 with US and europe maps and built in traffic for free) for $239.

I'm debating between the 265WT and the 255W. Does anyone know how good the traffic updates are in the New York metropolitan area?

Not that it will always help too much. If one crossing is jammed, the others probably are too (at least during rush hour).

I've had it running in New York for a couple weeks now. Traffic is there, but not always useful. The first weekend we were heading to Philly and it pointed out an accident in the express lane, saved us a ton of time by getting into the local lanes.

Last week I'm stuck in traffic in Greenwich because of a five car accident at rush hour, it never mentioned it (though to be fair, half the radio traffic reports did not mention it either).

I would have said that not once has it pointed out a delay only accidents and construction, but just this morning it showed yellow and said slow traffic a couple miles ahead and sure enough, there was.

Reception is good, I tend to get coverage much further in the direction of home then I was expecting. It's the quality that is lacking, to me there just is not the type of coverage available (and not just the Garmin, but also the radio reports) to know for example if 95 or the Merritt is a better choice.

It is as good though as the e-mail alerts from the local stations, the state, and the radio, etc.

I picked up the 255W - mainly because I decided not to go with the lifetime traffic alerts and I don't need BlueTooth, and I need is North America (US and Canada). It really won't be used for everyday use; mostly for trips to the unknown...

I picked it up from Sears.com for $169.99, but I had a $50 GC, which brought that down.

Thanks everyone for their replies :)

To the OP - what model did you decide to get, or are you still sifting through your choices? I admit, there are a LOT.

I am still weeding. I am about to take off on a trip so this decision will likely spill over into next week...unless I get gutsy and buy one on the road.

At this point, I'm thinking the 255 or 265 would be fine for me. I have done a lot of travel to Europe in the past but I don't know if that trend will continue. I had thought it would be cool to be in Rome and bang in my out of the way pizza place that I can never find and let this thing get me there. That might have to be an add on post-purchase.

I do appreciate the help; I'd really expected to get flamed for asking what I would think is a pretty common question.

I just bought the 255W and one thing to keep in mind is that although you can download stuff to the unit, you will need to provide your own connection cable device to do so.

Also, one apparently cannot register the unit without it being hooked up to the internet (with the cable that doesn't come with it).

Hopefully the cables for my PSP slim model will also work with the GPS.

Best Buy has the Garmin 255WT (traffic) on sale this week for $180. My wife has the 255W and she likes it. The 205 is also on sale for $100.

Has anyone found a GPS that is useful *while in the air* - like, what is that lake below me? Seems to me that FTs ought to want that, too.

Has anyone found a GPS that is useful *while in the air* - like, what is that lake below me? Seems to me that FTs ought to want that, too.
In general, you want a model that is not designed exclusively for driving.

In particular, Garmin GPSMAP 76CXs or GPSMAP 60 CXs. The CXs models have a high sensitivity receiver. I would think Garmin's newer Colorado or Oregon models will work also, but I've never had hands on time with them.

The 60 and 76 models are still very advanced even for being 3 or 4 years old.
As far as the innards of the electronics go, I don't know that the OR or CO models are any more advanced. Useful features for example, you can see the relative position and signal strength of all GPS satellites known at the moment to the unit, you get a continuous calculation of error, (usually 7 to 8 feet when on the ground with no obstructions), you get altitude/elevation graphs, etc. There is a whole 'jump master' set of functions, indented for parachutists. (I've read this single feature alone has a following in the active military.)

BTW, you're going to make some people nervous if you make a spectacle of holding a GPS to a window while in flight. Some carriers outright forbid it. There are a few threads on here with stories, with good and bad experiences.

I guess I should try my ole Garmin etrex Legend; B&W but would at least give some idea.
I can imagine discretion is needed.
Thanx,

I have an old Michellin GPS that has served me well for about 4 or 5 years now and I think it is time for a new one. Also, I want to take a trip to Croatia so I'm trying to find a GPS that has a map card for ALL of Europe. North Africa would be nice too, but definitely a full European card is what I need. Does such a thing exist? I've looked around a bit, but the Euro cards I see don't include any of former Yugoslavia.

I have an old Michellin GPS that has served me well for about 4 or 5 years now and I think it is time for a new one. Also, I want to take a trip to Croatia so I'm trying to find a GPS that has a map card for ALL of Europe. North Africa would be nice too, but definitely a full European card is what I need. Does such a thing exist? I've looked around a bit, but the Euro cards I see don't include any of former Yugoslavia.

We used a Garmin 270 in the former Yugoslavia last week. Map was dated 2008 - I was unable to load the 2009 maps for some reason.

Anyway, it worked wonderfully in downtown Ljubljana, fairly well on motorways and other primary roads, and was very spotty on single-carriageway "A" roads. We got as far south as Rab - the thing was pretty confused at times. Boarding the ferry completely confused it - it did not have anything on the islands at all. Also, we had to manually plug in the location of Plitvice National Park (a fairly major Croatian destination) and it still did not perform well. I imagine it gets worse if you're headed down to Dubrovnik or into Bosnia or Serbia.

On another GPS thread, someone mentioned that TomTom might be a better European product than Garmin. Cab drivers seem to own TomTom's...

I am curious to clarify the routes feature. Is it just mostly important in the cases, such as described above, where you want to create a number of waypoints along a route, thus creating a path that the unit would not normally define on its own if you just put in the beginning and endpoints? I don't think I need the routes feature, but I want to make sure I am not missing something. Thx

I am curious to clarify the routes feature. Is it just mostly important in the cases, such as described above, where you want to create a number of waypoints along a route, thus creating a path that the unit would not normally define on its own if you just put in the beginning and endpoints? I don't think I need the routes feature, but I want to make sure I am not missing something. Thx
For the Garmin units, that what you describe is the main reason to have the feature.

What is not being said though is this, on a 4"x3" screen GPS, the user interface is not elegant. And it might take a lot of maneuvering through various screens and lists and lists of POI categories just to find one intermediate waypoint. In my experience, it's a stretch to assume what you know the way point as ("the grocery store in downtown Rutland, VT") is the same that the GPS knows it as. It may take much more than a few quick finger pokes on a touch screen to create a route.

Garmin 265w
This is cheap enough and in 1-2 years will be obsolete anyway.


I'd echo the recommendation for the Garmin 265W. I started out with a Tomtom 720 which had a lot of features I wanted: iPod interface, Bluetooth etc. Then I bought a Garmin 265WT from Costco for a trip across the country. I liked it much better than the Tomtom even though it was just a GPS and didn't do half as much as the Tomtom.

What I like about the Garmin:


POI's are organized into categories
Unit tells you whether destination is on left/right

What I don't like about the Garmin:


It never tells me to make a U-turn if I miss a turn. My old car GPS would do this. The Garmin just tells me to keep going and make a left/right turn later.

What I don't like about the Garmin:


It never tells me to make a U-turn if I miss a turn. My old car GPS would do this. The Garmin just tells me to keep going and make a left/right turn later.


You probably have the avoidances under "settings" set to avoid u-turns. Look to see if that box is checked.

fuzz

Garmin 7X5T getting bricked after software update? (http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=77562&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=)

BTW this is a good POI site, especially UK speed cameras.

Has anyone found a GPS that is useful *while in the air* - like, what is that lake below me? Seems to me that FTs ought to want that, too.

Actually, I have found that my Garmin Nuvi 205 (the generic basic model or similar, <$129 at Newegg.com) works just fine for in-flight curiosity purposes - no need to spend money on a special marine/flight model. The key is that you have to put it into off-road/walking mode, and then everything becomes straight-line navigation based. You can see cities, lakes, etc below you, and it is fun seeing your maximum speed at >600mph. Great when the flight does not have a moving map and you wake up and want to know where you are.

And I have never really run into problems with it being perceived as a suspicious device. In fact, the Nuvi style GPS is probably less attention-grabbing than something that looks like a radio or similar. You just put it on a pillow next to the window, and it's fine -- to everyone else I suspect it just looks like a palm pilot or ipod or something, or people just don't even notice.

...
What I don't like about the Garmin:


It never tells me to make a U-turn if I miss a turn. My old car GPS would do this. The Garmin just tells me to keep going and make a left/right turn later.


there is an option in the settings that you can change to "avoid U-turns" or not.

A couple weeks ago at J&R I bought a 275T (the non wide 265 with US and europe maps and built in traffic for free) for $239.

Do the maps support the Greek islands, specifically Crete and Santorini? I am looking to upgrade my Nuvi 350, and Garmin's online map browser for Europe doesn't show any of the Greek Islands.

EDIT: it turns out my use of the online map browser was the problem. Today I was able to show significant detail for Crete and Santorini. Next step is to buy and download.

I've been a Garmin fan for several years. But after their fiasco with the 7x5 units over the last few days (GPS shows it's trying to update, then some shut down completely and have to go back to the factory for repairs), I'd have to say the answer to "which Garmin to buy?" may be "none."

Actually, I have found that my Garmin Nuvi 205 (the generic basic model or similar, <$129 at Newegg.com) works just fine for in-flight curiosity purposes - ...

The Nuvi battery life is really too short to cover a 5-6 hour flight much less a transpacific flight or whole day walking around. Much better is a Quest with around 20 hours or an Etrex with around 30 hours battery life. Quest is better for a trip involving driving and Etrex is better for trip with public transportation. Etrex Cx versions have a microSD slot for any amount of maps.

I am curious to clarify the routes feature. Is it just mostly important in the cases, such as described above, where you want to create a number of waypoints along a route, thus creating a path that the unit would not normally define on its own if you just put in the beginning and endpoints? I don't think I need the routes feature, but I want to make sure I am not missing something. Thx

To plan a relatively complex route, best is to get a copy of the Mapsource software and load your maps on a PC. Not only can you find and set waypoints quickly, you can plot routes too, then upload the waypoints and route into the GPS. After coming back from your trip, you can download the track back into the computer and review where you went.

The context sensing ability of most GPS is not too good. So entering and looking for a particular waypoint or address on the GPS directly is a pain as compare to looking for it on Mapsource program.

I gave a colleague with a 6 month assignment in the US a waypoint file of where to go and what to see in California. He thanked me forever after.

The Nuvi battery life is really too short to cover a 5-6 hour flight much less a transpacific flight or whole day walking around. Much better is a Quest with around 20 hours or an Etrex with around 30 hours battery life. Quest is better for a trip involving driving and Etrex is better for trip with public transportation. Etrex Cx versions have a microSD slot for any amount of maps.
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Ah, I see.

I only turn on the Nuvi a few times during the flight, for maybe 1/2 an hour in the beginning and middle, and then for a while at the end to see the approach path. Using it that way, the battery is fine for those purposes.

I have to say any gps with windows ce as OS is good.
They are easily hacked.
My Mio GPS has mio, garmin, tomtom, igo, navigon.
All are newest software and newest map.

I've had a Garmin Nuvi 350 for the car for a few years and a Garmin Etrex Legend Cx for hiking. I use both of them frequently - they are not at all interchangeable. Both are slow to find satellites and locate position but once they are operating they do their job. You can buy extra topo maps and city navigation on eBay for reasonable prices. The topo maps are great for the Etrex and with Mapsoure you can transfer your routes to Google Earth and make excellent maps. When I bought a GPS for my daughter to use in her car I went to Best Buy. Their selection is excellent as are the sale prices. I decided on the Nuvi 265T. It has better screen resolution and finds location much faster than the Nuvi 350 does. It also has the traffic information for cities and a very useful indicator of where you are when you are lost in terms of intersections rather than coordinates. The Nuvis use SD cards for expansion maps and with the mult-gig capacity these days, they are essentially unlimited. The Etrex uses micro-SD cards and you can download into them with Mapsource. The Etrex is a life-saver when on the trail in an unfamiliar location - but bring a compass in case it fails. It also makes geocaching into a time-waster if you are bored and wandering in places like Baghdad or your local park. The Nuvi is a helpful guide but always have a printed map in case it gets stupid - which happens. I noticed that Costco, Tiger Direct and Dell sell obsolete Garmin products at supposed sale prices. Always check the Garmin web site to see if the item is current and for its real specs.

I've had a Garmin Nuvi 350 for the car for a few years and a Garmin Etrex Legend Cx for hiking. I use both of them frequently - they are not at all interchangeable. Both are slow to find satellites and locate position but once they are operating they do their job. ....

It is true that there are two major types, original and NT maps used by Garmin. Key difference is compression used for NT types.

Both NT maps used for Nuvi and non-NT maps used for Etrex can be loaded on Mapsource. You can select each mapset by the drop down list. Waypoints and routes are interchangeable. You can see both NT and non-NT maps in my Mapsource here.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/oar8/Computer/Mapsource.jpg

Any GPS will take a while to lock on to satellites if they had been moved while off. So it is best to leave them attached to a car and better yet, to the car's ignition. I use mostly Streetpilot models for cars and they are wired to the ignition.

IYou can see both NT and non-NT maps in my Mapsource here.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/oar8/Computer/Mapsource.jpg

That's showing about $1500 worth of maps. Assuming they're all unlocked, I'm impressed ... that your spouse would let you spend that much on maps.

P.S: Don't the NT maps (vs. non-NT maps of the same name) have some difference in how routing is done on the device? NT maps have routing info in the map file(s) when loaded onto the device. For not-NT maps, routing info is external to the map files. Both allow routing, but different internally. I might have remembered this wrong.

That's showing about $1500 worth of maps. Assuming they're all unlocked, I'm impressed ... that your spouse would let you spend that much on maps.

P.S: Don't the NT maps (vs. non-NT maps of the same name) have some difference in how routing is done on the device? NT maps have routing info in the map file(s) when loaded onto the device. For not-NT maps, routing info is external to the map files. Both allow routing, but different internally. I might have remembered this wrong.

Most of these are updates collected since the late '90s. I do have quite a few units, one in each car. We have two cars with factory GPS but I still like Garmin better.

I think you can load routes and waypoints separately for NT as well. I never noticed how they differ in operation anyway.

I hacked my $50 GPS and install all major GPS softwares, including Garmin, TomTom, Navigon.
I went back a month to see if there was a 'which GPS to buy' or 'GPS FAQ' thread and didn't see one. I am pretty set on buying Garmin, just because, but am not sure what model to buy. I have some general questions that I can't seem to find an answer to on their website and my local Best Buy kids just glaze over.

1. Some models have a rechargeable battery while others have a user replaceable rechargeable battery. Why would the distinction be interesting and which is preerable?

2. Probably obvious, but what are 'routes'? Some models that I am considering allow for 0 and others 10.

3. Can I always add trans-atlantic maps to any of the newer models after I buy them, or do I need to buy a model with it included already? Do I save a lot of money by purchasing a model with it already loaded?

4. Which trans-atlantic map is preloaded if it is a model that has it? I looked at their online store and they have several different maps. I'm just trying to figure out the dollar value of buying one with it included vs. one without, and then buying it separate at a later point.

5. What is 'dead reckoning'?

6. What is multimode, and when would it be useful? Their website says 'switch to drive, hike, bike or boat but I'm still not clear on that one.

7. What is 'garmin locate'?

8. What is lane assist and how important is it in your opinion?

9. Do all newer models allow for vias and multiple vias? I don't know much about this but as I understand it this is when you say I want to go from point A to point D via points B and C.

10. Are waypoint/favorites/locations simply me tagging a location as something I will use often enough to want it available to me mroe quickly than having to search for it?

Sorry for the number of questions. The huge range of models and features makes it tough for me to figure out what I want and need.

I run Garmin XT on a HTC Diamond, I find it a very elegant solution for traveling, it has some drawbacks, the GPS when handheld chews through the battery, this is a problem with the Diamond, other hand sets will have better battery life but the size of the Diamond is worth this inconvenience to me. I usually have it plugged into a car so this isn't a killer anyway.

The screen size in comparison to a normal unit is a minor negative but is still large enough.
With the prices of powerful Windows Mobile devices with internal GPS dropping to affordable levels I would encourage this approach, You can probably tell I am a fan of convergence!

I can also send my location directly to others by SMS, which some may find to be a useful feature.

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5. What is 'dead reckoning'?
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I think everybody answered OP's questions. I'll take a try.

Dead reckoning is when a GPS loses satellite reception, it uses the vehicle speed, direction and an internal gyro and estimates the course. Not only must the GPS have internal gyro, the mount/harness must be wired to the car as well.

I think most factory GPS has this feature. It is useful in tunnels and downtown area where tall buildings block reception.

I have an old Michellin GPS that has served me well for about 4 or 5 years now and I think it is time for a new one. Also, I want to take a trip to Croatia so I'm trying to find a GPS that has a map card for ALL of Europe. North Africa would be nice too, but definitely a full European card is what I need. Does such a thing exist? I've looked around a bit, but the Euro cards I see don't include any of former Yugoslavia.

To finally answer my own question, I found a Tomtom for sale here in France that supports all the major roads in Eastern Europe. I got an XL Live Europe on sale for €189 and it includes 42 countries.

In lighter news, see this BBC article. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8173308.stm

I don't know how this is news since I have made similar errors a time or two!

The Garmin Nuvi 275t is currently on sale at Costco.com (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=275t&N=0&Ntt=275t&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US) for about $200 including S&H but the warehouses apparently dont stock that model. It has both US and E and W Europe maps and fits in my shirt pocket. Many goodies such as bluetooth, traffic etc and only downside I noticed is it has US POI but not Europe POI.

MisterNice

The battery life in Nuvi cannot last a whole day walking around. They are design fot cars. eTrex plus maps can last two to three days of use.